Why Contend for the Law?
By E. HILLIARD
After the binding obligation of God's law has been set forth, and the sinner convinced that, if it is still in force, he is guilty before his Maker, he will often try to assure himself that it has been abolished. Not unfrequently is the question asked, “Why preach so much about the law? why not preach more gospel and less law?” We ask, Why preach at all? Let Paul answer this question: “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Cor. 1: 21. Then men believe and are saved through the preaching of the word. Saved from what? From sin. What is sin? This question is not so easily answered by man; for what one may denominate sin, another may consider entirely harmless. We must have some explicit, Scriptural answer. We turn to 1 John 3: 4, and there read: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.” Of what use is it to preach to sinners without proclaiming the instrument that points out their sin? How can you make a man believe he is a sinner, unless you can convince him that he is a transgressor of God's law, which says, Thou shalt, and, Thou shalt not? Paul says: “Sin is not imputed when there is no law.” Rom. 5: 13. The moment you convince a man that the law is not binding, you virtually teach him that he is not a sinner, and consequently not responsible for anything he may do. All who teach the abrogation of God's law, ease the conscience of the rebellious and sinful, and thus open the flood-gates of iniquity upon the world. The law of God is the epitome of all righteousness. Upon this law rests all moral government. Suppose that a man commits some crime. He is arraigned before the civil court, and pleads guilty to the indictment. The judge is about to pronounce sentence, when it occurs to him that the law prohibiting the deed has been abolished. What is to be done? He has no right to inflict any penalty without some law by which to determine the enormity of the crime, and to limit the measure of the punishment. All can see the absurdity of the abolition of civil law. It would not only render the judge powerless to pass sentence, but it would so open the door to crime that it would result in the destruction of the government and all its subjects. Can we not see that to do away with God's holy law would be to encourage people in sin, and thus terminate their existence in eternal destruction? Teach men that they are not amenable to these divine precepts, and how could you make them feel that they need to repent to their Author? “For where no law is, there is no transgression.” Rom. 4: 15. The law of our land is the standard by which we detect crime and judge the criminal. So, also, the law of God is the standard by which we have a knowledge of sin, and by which we are to be judged. James 2: 12. Paul says: “I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Rom. 7: 7. And also: “For by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3: 20. My friend, why are you so anxious to do away with that portion of God's word that gives us such an accurate knowledge of our sins? Does it point out some distasteful duty? Sin is the transgression of the law, and it is our duty to turn away from sin. The wise man says that our whole duty is summed up in the law. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” Eccl. 12: 13. But says one, “It is impossible for me to keep those ten precepts.” So it is, in our own strength; but with the tried apostle we exclaim, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Here is where the law and the gospel plan of pardon are inseparable. We claim that no one can be truly converted without first becoming convinced that he is a sinner. The law is the mirror that shows him the defects of his character. Unless he could be made to realize his imperfect, sinful condition, he would feel no need of any gospel. Says the psalmist: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Ps. 19: 7. After the law has pointed out to him his sin, and by repentance toward God he has received pardon through Christ, he is no longer under the law until he again transgresses its precepts. Let us remember that when he again violates this law, his guilt is far greater than the same violation would be before he received pardon. We very well know that the popular teaching of the day is that we should love God, while it is utterly regardless of the claims of his divine law. It is quite an easy matter to talk love. The chief of hypocrites can offer a good prayer, or give a ringing testimony in the public meeting. But men act out all the true love they have in their hearts. A man who says that he loves God, and at the same time says that he is under no obligation to keep his commandments, is not a truthful man. “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2: 4. Through one of his servants, the Author of the law here speaks in an emphatic manner, and whoever takes a negative position must end the controversy with God. One thing is certain. He has no respect for that kind of love that is expressed in lip-service, while the actions and teachings are contrary to his commandments. Do we wonder, then, at the words of Solomon: “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination”? Prov. 28: 9. He who lives knowingly in violation of any one of the ten commandments, or teaches his fellow-men that these precepts are not binding, need not expect that God will hear his prayer. His daily conduct is giving the lie to his profession, and God has said he will not listen to liars and immoral teachers. We contend for the law because,—- It is the summary of all righteous principles.
- It is perfect, converting the soul. Ps. 19: 7.
- It points out our whole duty. Eccl. 12: 13.
- By it we have a knowledge of our sins, and we wish to know them, and have them pardoned through Christ; and,
- Because “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” “The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether;” “and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Ps. 19: 8, 9, 11.
Medford, Minn. E. HILLIARD.